We often profile customers who are working on particularly interesting genetic research projects on The Genetic Link, in the hope that it will benefit other customers. Dr. Nasir Ali Afsar MBBs, M.Phil, Ph.D. from the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia is one such researcher with a project we thought was worth sharing. 

An individual’s response to a drug is influenced by genetic polymorphisms which lead to varied function of the proteins involved in biotransformation and molecular transport across the cell membrane. A previous study^[1] in breast cancer patients in Karachi showed significant differences in frequencies of polymorphic genes involved in metabolism and transport of chemotherapeutic drugs as compared to ethnic groups reported in the International HapMap Project database. In response, Dr. Afsar’s team designed a cross-sectional study in healthy volunteers to establish the normal distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of various common polymorphic drug metabolizing enzymes and ABC transporters. The results would give a basis to understand the need for further pharmacogenetic research in this area.

DNA samples from approximately 200 participants would be collected from healthy adults spread evenly across genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic groups within Karachi, Pakistan.

Dr. Afsar faced several challenges as he prepared to start his research. He knew from previous projects that recruiting healthy volunteers to donate blood to extract their DNA for research is not always easy. Healthy candidates may not perceive the benefit of participating in the study so it is important to make it easy for them. In addition, while blood collection provides an abundant source of high quality DNA, it requires centralized collection with a trained phlebotomist and convincing donors to visit the clinic and accept an invasive procedure. Dr. Afsar required a sample collection method that would be quick and easy for participants, while maintaining the high quantity, high quality DNA he required for downstream analysis (PCR, Genotyping, Pyrosequencing).

The Oragene self-collection kit was selected as the collection method because it is efficient and non-invasive, thereby speeding up time needed to collect up to 200 samples and for maximizing volunteer participation.^[2]

To maximize performance and project efficiency, a single session was organized to demonstrate the method and collect the saliva samples. Study participants were gathered in a few groups at a pre-arranged venue and the entire exercise of sample collection, labeling, and storage was quickly accomplished. Also, the DNA from the Oragene/saliva samples was extracted easily and effectively with the prepIT®•L2P extraction kit and the yield obtained was sufficient to successfully complete the intended genotyping.

If you are starting a genetic research project, you can try Oragene kits at no charge by requesting samples below. You can also download the full copy of this case study here.

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